In a recent development, US envoy Steve Witkoff announced on Wednesday that he and US President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will be traveling to Russia to discuss the “land deal” issue related to Ukraine with President Putin on Thursday.
“We have made a lot of progress in the past six to eight weeks,” Witkoff told CNBC at the Davos World Economic Forum. He mentioned that they will meet with Ukrainian officials on Wednesday evening before holding discussions with senior Russian officials.
“Then, Jared and I will meet with the Russian side on Thursday evening at some point,” he said. He added that President Putin will be participating in the meeting and noted that these talks were requested by the Kremlin.
According to Russia’s TASS news agency, a Kremlin spokesperson confirmed that President Putin has scheduled a meeting with Witkoff.
Witkoff indicated that discussions on the US-led 20-point peace plan are making progress. “We are working to bring all parties closer together… hoping to announce some good news soon,” he said, adding that they are currently making fine adjustments to the 20-point peace plan.
“I think we are now entering the land transaction phase – which has been an unspoken challenge for everyone – and I believe we have some very good ideas in this regard and hope to make some progress,” he said.
When asked if he believes Putin will reach an agreement to end the nearly four-year war, Witkoff stated, “I believe so.”
“I feel everyone wants peace there, it’s time,” he said.
Also, during the Davos World Economic Forum on Wednesday, US President Trump stated that he is in contact with President Putin and believes Putin wants to reach an agreement. He has also been in contact with Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, and believes he also wants to reach an agreement.
Trump believes that Russia and Ukraine are close to reaching an agreement to end this war that has caused a significant loss of life. He further mentioned that he will be meeting with Zelensky on Thursday to discuss the matter.